PROTECT ANTIGUAN ANIMALS WITH A SMILE

The countdown is on. Antigua's Got Talent is just hours away with 30 performers preparing to showcase their singing, dancing and acting skills.Guests are encouraged to arrive early to secure parking and seating places at the event taking place at Castaways in Jolly Harbour on Saturday August 24 from 7pm sharp.

The show is being held in aid of PAAWS animal charity with all proceeds going towards the running of its Parham shelter for rescued dogs and cats.

“Registration for performers is now closed due to an overwhelming response and we have several more on a reserve list,” said organiser and PAAWS PRO Gemma Handy.

“Performers are reminded to arrive no later than 7pm and bring their music with them on a flashdrive, along with the EC$20 registration fee. They should present their name, talent and music at the door. They will be given a number and asked to perform when that number is called.

“All performances are strictly limited to a maximum of five minutes to allow us to showcase as many talents as possible,” she said.

The event is being hosted by Ibis the Livest and karaoke veteran Wesley Simon. The panel of four judges comprises popular local singers Drastic and Kimmy, plus personal trainer Donny Roseau and dentist Kamal Moursy.

“We are thrilled to have some well-known faces on our judging panel,” Handy explained. “We deliberately chose two non-professional performers to help judge as this event is really about having fun and makes the event appeal to a wide, diverse crowd. The judges’ decisions on the night are final.

“We have some excellent prizes for the winners plus plenty more to be raffled on the night, thanks to the generosity of local businesses.

“We encourage everyone to come down for what promises to be an action-packed show and is for a very worthy cause,” she added.

Performers will be scored on creativity, talent, stage presence, audience response and overall performance. The winner walks away with a Samsung Galaxy A8 and 12-month prepaid contract courtesy of headline sponsor FLOW.

The first runner-up will get a spa treatment of their choice from Blue Waters Resort, and second runner-up will receive a Silver Chelles gift bag.

General entrance fee is EC$10 which goes directly to PAAWS. Raffle tickets will also be on sale and drawn on the night. Prizes include a EC$500 gift certificate from Sheer Rocks/Catherine’s Café; dinner for two at Big Banana; Epicurean gift hamper; Chef’s World EC$250 gift certificate; 30-minute massage Oasis/Isabella Hair; three months’ membership from Jolly Harbour Gym; Sandra Danchuk eyebrow tattoo certificate worth $750; Blue Waters Rum; La Brasserie restaurant voucher; Steph and Vlada Studio haircut and style (or pedicure); Jolly Dive T-shirts.

About PAAWS:

•    PAAWS has been registered as a friendly society since 1996. Its shelter in Parham for dogs and cats has been open since 2004.

•    PAAWS takes in an average of 14 animals a month – and rehomes an average of three or four dogs a week.

•    PAAWS’ biggest costs are veterinary bills and staff wages.

•    PAAWS gives priority to orphaned, injured and neglected dogs and cats.

•    PAAWS is open to visitors and volunteers Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.

•    Visit www.paaws-antigua.com or call +1 268 561-1484 for more information or to make a donation via PayPal.